The Citizen Rosebud

Bloom in June

2012-06-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Already, it's June. This year is rushing past me; does it feel the same way for you? If you haven't been keeping up with the ebb + flow of my little tidepool, let me update you on my year so far, in a nutshell, I-

fell in love; moved to Seattle.
committed in making a go of it selling online for a living.
decided to go all profesh on the blog, got a new header, signed on as an affiliate with some good companies, and got some great blog sponsors.

As you know, one of my sponsors is Karina Dresses, a Brooklyn-based, woman owned company that believes style should feel comfortable. I'm so proud to be a part of Karina Dresses, and love the easy wear, easy care aspect of their products. Karina offers Citizen readers a $30 discount off your purchase when you use coupon code ROSC30 at check-out. I say: DO IT!

I'd also like to introduce you my newest blog sponsor, OMHU, a design company that makes premium medical equipment + accessories. Best known for its award winning walking canes, OMHU was founded by a woman Danish designer, Rie Nørregaard. She saw a need for vibrant design in "outfitting the differently abled." At first glance, this might seem like an odd sponsor for a personal style blog, but I think it's a good fit- I felt an immediate affinity with this design company creating beautiful products made to enhance mobility. And I love the tagline: Life is Imperfect and Beautiful.

This month marks the start of a good season here at the Citizen. I've got some great posts lined up to share with you, but I've also got some great offline plans for myself. I'm going to unplug a bit, disconnect from the virtual world, and soak up the sights and sounds of my new hometown. I'm always happy when I have a moment of your time to share my slice of life with you. I am so grateful for your community. Here's to sun in your shine, Sunshine. Happy June!

Outfit Post: Mi Corizon

2012-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am inspired by many things-
fashion history, fashion magazines, beautiful poetry, blooming flowers, and... bloggers.

When I spied this beautiful vintage dress on the racks at a neighborhood thrift store

I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite "prostis," the gorgeous La Dama of Vintage Passions Just Like Mine. She would of course look perfect in this caliente frock, and so, I've decided to dedicate my outfit to her. From the tops of my Sassy Vamps floral headpiece down to my leopard print detailed shoes, this outfit screams: La Dama! Bella amiga mía, tu es uno entre un millón y vale la pena cada centavo. Tu corazón es grande y valiente, su cara es una preciosidad y su espíritu es la llama sagrada. El amor a ti, hermana. Muah.

Estoy usando:

casco floral por Sassy Vamps
vintage vestido rojo Mexicana, thrifted
brazo dulces: los diversos
mis zapatos locos: Sole Society

Product Review: United Styles

2012-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

When I was asked to review unitedstyles, I jumped at the chance. It's an interesting concept in where you can choose a design and customize it to your specifications. The website is user friendly, fairly easy to understand and navigate. you're encourage to post inspirations and to have at it in designing the perfect garment for you. In fact, they are so dedicated to a bespoked experience, unitedstyles guarantees a perfect fit.

After you design your desired garment and order it online, you'll receive a sample of the garment in the mail approximately 3 weeks after you order it. It is a simple black jersey knit version, and when you try it on, you make a note of adjustments needed, if any. You then send back the specs for the needed modifications (you keep the sample dress) and they will make the final garment according to your instructions. In fact, they are so committed to that perfect fit, in case the garment still doesn't fit, they will reimburse you for taking the dress in and having it altered by a professional tailor. Sounds good?

There's plenty of dresses in the gallery to give you an idea of what's possible. And when you are ready, just click the design now link and you're good to go. At the time of this post, there are 10 basic styles for you to design from. To give you a feeling of international fashion flair, the templates of the designs are named after a fashionable city, such as the Tokyo, the Malibu, or the Amsterdam. I chose a charming design aptly named Paris.

From there, I had to options to customize: the trim, and sleeve. I went for a gathered 3/4 sleeve, and no trim. Then comes the fabric choices, mainly there are 2 selections: solid colors and prints. You can even mix up the two a bit, which I chose to do, giving a cardinal red trim to my black/white bird print dress.

In no time at all, I received the sample dress- basically an awesome LBD. The material had a good feel, a thick knit that hangs beautifully. I was surprised to see the hem as high as it was, but liked the way the dress fit, so I gave my approval, and within two weeks, I got my custom print dress.

The print looked a bit faded. Instead of being BLACK fabric with white birds on it, it appears to be white fabric with the color printed on it. So it's sort of an ashen grey, not black and white. I remember reading this feedback in Sally's review of her unitedstyles dress- and while the solid colors are saturated and rich looking, I would probably avoid ordering another printed garment. Which is a pity as the prints are really great, and I love how you can customize the prints.

The dress is pretty cool all and all, however. I found it cute and comfy. There's a little too much "cleavage" in the first loop- I'd probably ask them to make that keyhole smaller if I were to do it again, but I love the dress, and wear it quite frequently. However, since the fabric is a bit faded looking even before a first wash, I don't know how I'd feel if I would have paid the $119 dollars (plus $20 shipping) for a dress I basically look super cute running errands in. For me, a dress over $100 is usually one that I can "dress up" in and should be comfortable in a more formal setting than coffee shops and farmer's market. That said, I would and will probably order another item from unitedstyles, and I would recommend you to try the experience. My only suggestion is that you stick to the solids if you want a garment that doesn't look faded from the get-go.

The folks at unitedstyles has offered 3 readers a 30% discount if you order by May 31st.

So I'm going to throw the codes out there, and it is open on a first come, first serve basis. Who ever uses the codes first, gets the discount.

Here are the codes for a 30% off discount. They expire May 31st.

rosebudjycs30
rosebudjvbw30
rosebudbgxl30

It's Your Life

2012-05-28T00:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday, peeps!

We've got a winner for the $100 shopping spree giveaway at Marketplace: Handworks of India. I'm announcing the lucky winner HERE.

Picture Perfect: Soul Mates

2012-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Outfit Post: Creature Comforts

2012-05-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

creature comforts (noun, plural): material things or luxuries that help to provide for one's bodily comfort.

Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds.

- St. Teresa de Avila

I am possibly in need of comfort. It may have been the overcast day, the cravat of change that has coiled itself around me recently or just my nerves, but I was yearning comfort, and fell into the arms of an all black outfit. To keep it from being somber, I lightened the mood with some whimsical animal references, the lace bunny-ears headband, the teddy bear backpack, and always comforting is this furry find: a Davis of Boston late 60's era vintage faux fur coat with fake leather trim. I discovered it recently at the nearby Goodwill, in mint condition, and knew I had met my (coat) soul mate.

Since it was rainy, I picked a skirt that could easily shed water- a thrifted good-as-new Koret labelled bubble skirt. I feel that it's a late 90's skirt but I'm really not sure. Layering with long pants seemed as much practical (it was chilly) as well as blogger inspired. I've been seeing it reappear around the bloggersphere; I used to do it a few years back, and perhaps the latest Prada collection featuring long dresses over pants has refreshed the trend again.

The snake cuffs are also a subtle reference to creatures, but not so much comfort. Same goes for the vintage black sweater with sequins- the sparkling discs representing snake scales. No paradise is complete without a touch of snake. For every Eden comes its serpent.

On a whole other note, I'm ramping up my Etsy shop again! So far, there's only a handful of items, but look for more in the shop by the beginning of next week. Use coupon code BUDZFREESHIP for free U.S. shipping. (International friends, email me, and we can figure out the international shipping for any item you want, and I'll charge you accordingly.)

The Marketplace of India give-away ends today! Thank you all who participated. I'll announce the lucky winner of the $100 gift certificate, courtesy of Marketplace: Handwork of India, first thing Monday morning.

Happy Weekend friends!

Now Wearing:

lace bunny ears
vintage 1960's fun fur coat, thrifted
lace camisole, thrifted
vintage sequined cardigan, coming soon to the shop
Koret bubble skirt, thrifted
snake cuffs, this one for sale in the shop
vintage teddy bear bag, coming soon to the shop
skinny khaki pants, Target

Forty, Fifty, Fabulous: Blogs Roll, YOU Rock

2012-05-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

The list on the +40 Blogroll has exploded! If you haven't checked it out lately, please do, there are so many new and wonderful ladies (and one gent!) on the Roll. I'm having trouble keeping up. But I'd like to say Welcome and Hello to some of our newest members:

Walking Colors (from Seattle no less! And introduced to me by one of my faves: Reva!)

Styleosophy

Red Legs in Soho

Project Minima

Peetee's Palace (a pink-hair babe from Portlandia, we met through UK's Vintage Vixen)

Polka Dots and Spinning Tops

Fifty is the New Forty

Curvy Everyday

Dross Into Gold

Ava Grace's Closet

I've written several times about some of my favorite over forty style bloggers, in fact one of my most popular posts is The Six +40 Fashion Blogs I can't Live Without, but did you know that I've previously highlighted some great over 40 bloggers?

In the past, I've featured a handful of plus forty-year-old lovelies:

Reva's Rags to Roses (you can read the post HERE)

Style Made By Hand (my interview of Susan is HERE)

Doll designer and fashion blogger of The Style Confessions, Heather Fonseca (HERE)

Pull Your Socks Up! Queen of Cream: Desiree (my love is shown HERE)

And I'm interested in featuring some more. Tell me, who would YOU want to see featured here at The Citizen Rosebud? Do you have any favorite +40 fashion and style bloggers? Leave your picks in the comments!

Outfit Post: Suburban Jungle

2012-05-21T02:02:00.003-07:00

More urbane than urban is my latest play of flora and fauna. I love mixing it the way Mother Nature does - with florals + animal prints. You can see some previous incarnations here, here, and here. This time however, I think I lost some urban edge and added spinster spice. There is nothing edgy or dangerous to my look, just look how cute this '80's floral sundress is! Throwing on that sweater like a good grannie somehow gave me suburban vibes. Which looks tame and well, nice. As in, less likely to pull a switchblade on ya, more likely to serve up some ice cold lemonade.

Welcome to the jungle, dearies.

Some of you have ask me if this is my backyard. Well, it's the yard that greets my front door. I rent a basement flat (seems to be my destiny) and so i'ts the backyard of to folks I rent from. And it's a great little lush spot, as is the entire neighborhood I live in. My 'hood is so lovely, that I am constantly walking past my block because my attention is distracted by flowers and blossoming dogwood trees + lilac bushes and front yard veggie gardens- I'm losing count of the times that I sort of lose myself before I make it home. In fact just happened today. Again.

Something that happened last week- you will find me featured last Friday over at Cameron's blog. Please check out our interview: I sound so wise and clever!

Cameron's blog is: 33 Avenue Miquelon, so check it out and feel free to leave her a sweet comment. Rawr!

Now Wearing: 

circular yellow sunnies, Cuffs
vintage floral sundress, thrifted
Ralph Lauren chunky cardi, thrifted
socks + sandals: Target
vintage Coach bag: Goodwill
arm candy: studs via FRINGE
arm candy: circle cuffs are thrifted

Neon Tribal

2012-05-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week you saw the shoes. Now see the outfit. Behold, the 'Bud rocking it tribal style and making it modern with fresh pops of neon. The dress, a handmade garment made from Guatemalan cloth, and recently acquired from a nearby consignment shop, has been on constant rotation, meaning that I've pretty much worn it non-stop since I got it. And I thought a great partner to this tribal print dress would be this wonderful jacket: a geometric woven cotton coat, courtesy of MARKETPLACE: Handworks of India.

The jacket is a prize- it'd be so perfect as an outer layer for the hot summer days in my hometown, Sacramento. I love the tribal yet modern look of the weave and the cut. Christened the Amrita Jacket, it's woven in lightweight cotton, has a subtle detailing at the lapels and draped side panels, which I feel, give it an avant garde appeal. For some reason, I wore the jacket belted, but I can't wait to style it on the loose, thrown over a tank top and paired with shorts and some gladiator sandals.

Going Tribal in Neon: Ethnic prints mingle with touches of cobalt, purple and neon pink (Photos: Bella Q)

Let me tell you a bit about Marketplace of India. Marketplace: Handwork of India is an innovative fair trade, not-for-profit organization that fuses viable business practices with a variety of support programs designed to " effect real, meaningful, and lasting change in the lives of low-income women in India." They work with nearly 500 artisans, organized into 14 independent co-operatives and produce high-quality women's apparel and home decor. This is truly eco-friendly + people friendly fashion! In addition to establishing empowering worker co-operatives, they've put programs in place to offer educational and enrichment opportunities, designed to help the artisans overcome personal, cultural and financial obstacles.

THE DETAILS: Amrita Jacket c/o Marketplace: Handwork of India, Dress from Classic Consignment, Vintage purple silk sash (for sale, just ask!), Napali textile handbag from Krazy Mary's, Shop JUST Fair Trade bead cuff, pink neon socks c/o Steve Madden, "Roja" Booties from Nordstom.

THE DRUM CIRCLE: Marketplace of India is offering one lucky reader a $100 shopping spree (via gift card) and I wonder: ARE YOU THE LUCKY ONE?

Contest ends next Friday and the winner announced Monday, May 28th. Contest is open to U.S. residents only and you MUST be a Citizen Rosebud reader (think Google Friend Connect, Networked Blogs, Bloglovin') to qualify. Good luck!

USE THIS NIFTY RAFFLECOPTER WIDGET TO ENTER:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Blue Suede Shoes

2012-05-16T02:15:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling more inspired by nature than Elvis when I step out in my newest shoe crush, my DV for Dolce Vita "Roja" booties, plucked from the shelves at Nordstom Rack. Check out these gorgeous blue suede shoes (or should I say shooties?)

These cobalt creatures were marked down and just my size! I love the silver glittery platform wedge, and the incredible indigo hue of the suede. They're so walkable, I could dance around the block. Whadddaya think? Am I bloomin' madly?

Now Blooming:

DV for Dolce Vita "Roja" booties, Nordstrom Rack (buy your pair HERE)
neon ankle socks, c/o Steve Madden
Spring-time blossoms, c/o Mother Nature

Disclosure: There are links on this page that may take you to affiliate links. Clicking on those links may result in a commissioned compensation to me from purchases made. For more information on my disclosure policy, please click HERE.

outfit post: My Sunday Best

2012-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Navy and White polka dots make a good Sunday, better. (Photos: Bella Q)

There are some days when nothing looks better to me the crisp, chic tones of navy blue and white. Those days are often on a Sunday. Sunday is the day in which you check out of the daily worries of your life, and nourish your spirit, reflecting on the good days to come.

This is me wearing my "Sunday Best." It's a lightweight navy blue/white sheer chiffon polka dot frock, and a vintage ivory Castleberry knit jacket, trimmed in navy piping and finished off with gold-tone buttons. The cherry on this Sunday are the shoes, a recent score from Nordstrom Rack: shiny white patent leather platform cork-heeled wedges. Comfortable and chic, I plan to wear them everyday of the week.

Now Wearing: 

Vintage Castleberry knit jacket
Navy polka dot chiffon dress, c/o Oasap
Vintage '60's wicker handbag
Navy tights, similar HERE
Fresh Press white patent wedges, c/o Nordstrom Rack (via gift card)

A Blogger's Reflection + IFB Links Ala Mode

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

You know you're a fashion blogger when the dressing room = photo booth + the iPhone is your right hand man.

It's not normal to feel comfortable snapping photos of yourself in a dressing room is it? If it's normal to you, I'm guessing you're a fashion blogger. When my neighbor tells me she noticed that I was taken photos of myself in the backyard, and that she was polite and didn't watch, I realized how unusual this meta-world I live in is. Who really plans outfits to fit into some sort of blog schedule? Who takes constant pictures of themselves wearing those outfits? Not your average joe, let me tell you. I don't think everybody makes themselves at home in front of a dressing room mirror and snaps away. And how many of these mirrored images are on my cellie is between me and my iPhone.

Also, it's not normal to find out that when one googles the word GINGHAM, one's very own blog shows up. ON PAGE ONE! And PLAID: ditto. I'm learning via the charming boyfriend,

that it's not always something to bring up in casual conversation, and doesn't produce the same giddiness in the listener (or reader, sorry!) as it does for yours truly. I am personally, pretty stoked about it. Anyhoo, I've been honored to be listed this in IFB Links Ala Mode. Do feel free to read these other great and featured posts-

HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END, EVERYBODY! -Bella Q

Wanted: Wardrobe

Edited by: Sonia of In Pursuit of Style
Something about the change in weather that makes me want bright colors, fabulous new clothes and fancy new shoes. This happens every year, as excitement builds with peep toes, sleeveless tops and flowing skirts aplenty. I’ve been feeling uninspired lately, but this week’s blogger submissions have me excited again. We have some showing us how to make old things new again, trends in different iterations and best of all, at a great price! Maybe I can go out a buy that new wardrobe after all...

SPONSOR:
New Satchels at Shopbop: Anya Hindmarch, MBMJ Satchels, Tory Burch, Chanel, 3.1 Lim , Red Valentino, Chloé, Messengers, KORS, Jerome Dreyfuss, Beach Bags, Shop Minkoff & Cambridge Satchels

Mirrored Images:

Brooklyn Industries hand-painted navy blue silk dress, $19.95 at Goodwill Industries.
Floral tank, got for a song ($14) at Labels Consignment.
The boyfriend's bad ass aviator sunglasses. You can't have them.
Gingham seersucker sleeveless dress, $28 at Classic Consignment.

Rosebud, Rosebud

2012-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Rosebud. 

This photo was taken last summer, inside the Thinkhouse Collective. I had just moved the Citizen HQ into the Thinkhouse, and was enjoying the afternoon sun. I was neophyte to Instagram. As you can see, I was indulging in my fascination with fascinators, enjoying my gorgeous hand-made Piccolo Red Rose hat, made for me by "Dr. Stacy," a multi-talented woman with a soft spot for vintage.

Seattle Rosebud. 

My latest incarnation takes place beneath a blossoming crown of ruby red dyed hair, shot in front of a place aptly enough called the Copper Gate. I'm feeling every bit a summer rose blooming madly in this gorgeous spot of earth called Seattle. While I feel very much the same, I can also feel/see the differences between my present and former selves, with the last few years chronicled on this blog. "I'm the very same girl," I think, as I review these former versions of myself, I just have more tree-rings. More marks of history in the form of grey hairs, wrinkles and laugh lines to be sure, but worn with more ease and confidence than I've ever felt before in my life.

If I were to offer any words of advice to a younger self, I would offer the following:

1) Don't wait for happiness. Never think that happiness will come in the future if you're not holding onto some of it now. Don't fool yourself and say: I'll be happy IF... I were....(fill in the blank: a size 2, an straight A student, a pro wrestler) or HAD... (a brand new Prada, a new sports car, the newest iPhone, or that man) because THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. No-one and no-thing will ever MAKE you happy. You CHOOSE to be happy- now and not later. If you're not willing to savor whatever little bit of happiness you've got in your present, you won't grasp a hold of it for later.

2) Be comfortable in your own skin. You are WHO you are, so get used to it. Be the best YOU that you can possibly be, and savor all the good bits. The years wasted on wishing to look like, or act like or be somebody else is a waste of time. Cherish WHAT you have, WHEN you have it; embrace it. You can alter certain elements, but the core materials, the essence of you ARE, is perfectly expressed as is, so best you work with what you've got rather than wish for what you don't.

3) Move past your fears. Go ahead and be afraid, just don't let your fear keep you from doing anything. Look smack dab into the eyes of of the likelihood that you can and will survive almost anything that can or will befall you. Better yet, with the right circumstances, you'll probably flourish, in spite of your hardships, heartaches and heartbreaks. Afraid of looking foolish? Go ahead and appear foolish, ferchrissakes, you ARE foolish. And fabulous. And fortunate. AND really, really resilient. Trust me, I am your future self, and you're going to outrun almost every set-back stepped in front of you. You will survive them, I promise. In fact, you may become a better person for having survived them.

4) Trust your gut. That instinctive little voice that tell you things, knows shit you don't know, so trust it. TRUST IT! Trust it with all your heart, mind and soul. Weird warning to avoid that side street? Listen and take a different route. An urge to check out the job classifieds although you already have a job? Check it out, for fits and giggles. Got some inexplicable urge to put your crazy-spinster-heart on the line, and chase some dude to Seattle? Go for it. Regardless of expected outcome, act on your gut and you'll do what is right. In spite of appearances, it will NOT steer you wrong. Under no circumstances dismiss that gut feeling. It's wisdom in your body that just KNOWS. It knows beyond a shadow of doubt and before and beyond reason. IT JUST KNOWS. So, believe me when I tell you to believe it.

5) Spread the sunshine. Share your good feelings, good thoughts and good fortune with others. And please don't wait for some future moment to share your affections, share them before it's too late. If you love someone, tell them. Tell it to them 2 minutes ago. Life can be harsh at times, (it can be a cold and cruel world) so it's up to us to soften the blow by sharing our warmth.

Check out the new badge for the +40 Blog Roll. To get your own, just copy and paste the html code on sidebar.

Speaking of sharing, I've just made a badge for my +40 Blog Roll. Who would have guessed that the barely 20 some list of over forty year old bloggers posted last February, would have grown to over one hundred and counting? Now, there's a badge for the Blog Roll, so if you'd like to put one on your side bar, please feel free to do so! You can see the code on my side bar, but if you need a specific size or some help in putting it on your blog, feel free to contact me, and I'll be happy to help!

And speaking of happy, I'm happy to announce that the Karina Dresses GIVE-AWAY has got a winner! And you can see who won their own Karina dress by clicking HERE.

Cinema Verite: The Film of Tomorrow

2012-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

"The film of tomorrow will look like the person who made it."-Francois Truffaut

In Reel Life: Do you dress like you're the star in your own movie? I know my clothes have to function, but I like it when there do more than just get around town. I like it when the details play a starring role- a clever mix of print, say a cheetah print and crisp vintage gingham. I still need comfort, but I want to stand out, not fade in the background. I can appreciate an articulated, artful way dressing, I like dressing like a character straight out of an Art-House movie. Let's face it, I like the look of drama.

Photo Source: HERE

When I first saw Citizen Kane, I was certain that never in my life have I loved a person the way I loved that film."*

In Real Life: It's been said that life imitates art, and so our way of dress is often influenced by what we see on the big screen. Think: Annie Hall. Think: Bonnie and Clyde. Think: that emerald green gown Keira Knightly wore to dramatic effect in Atonement. Movies, and the costumes in them can alter the way we dress for our everyday lives. Which can be a good thing. Sometimes, you can find the perfect expression for yourself in something you've read, or heard, or seen on the big screen. Like Michel in Goddard's Breathless, who dresses and takes on the mannerisms of Bogart. He imagines himself as a character out of a movie. Perhaps we all do. Perhaps we do it to distract ourselves from the mundane part of living and seek to color it up by playing it larger than life.

The film of tomorrow appears to me as even more personal than an autobiographical novel, like a confession, or a diary.*

The sartorial Auteur: Truffaut predicted that future film would be relayed in the first person- that the movies seen would be scenes taken out of one's own biography. This seems more true today than in Truffaut's time. Are we not dressing for our own starring role in our own personal reality show? Hasn't the internet opened up a channel for everyday sorts such as ourselves to be cast as leads in our own main feature? Networks such as Chictopia, Lookbook, Instagram, and even YouTube- aren't they all a possible means of providing a screen for us to potentially shine?

As we play our cameo role, we dress the part.

The film of tomorrow will be an act of love.*

And hopefully love what we wear. After all, it's your life, and you're the director, the screenwriter and the star.

Movies to dress by: 

Movies with the best wardrobes. The following is a list, by no means complete, of some of my favorite classic art-house movies with the most stylish costumes.

*quotes referenced are taken from Truffaut's The Films in My Life

Worn in this feature: the Josie in cheetah by Karina Dresses, vintage raincoat.

Social as a Butterfly, Busy as a Bee

2012-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to enter the Karina Dress GIVE AWAY- Winner is announced Thursday, May 10th

Happy Monday, peeps!

I've been a busy little rosebud, doing all sorts of things, some fun, some just busy-ness. Let me tell you, I'm liking the fun stuff, but the get-done/TO-DO list, uh, not so much. Sigh. I'm getting settled in my new digs (which I like alot!) and I've got a million not very sexy errands to run, when I'd much rather be....THRIFTING! I have been lurking shamelessly over in my neighborhood Goodwill and spending all my time and money there. It is smack dab in the middle between my and my boyfriend's casas, so it's too easy to "just drop in and see what's on sale." I've been hitting the thrifter's jackpot there + so, need to get busy and put some of the goodies up in my shop. Ahem. But that's on the TO-DO list- so not as much fun as drinking coffee, hanging with the boyfriend or walking my beautiful neighborhood and posting pictures of it up on Instagram.

And I'm loving my new job. But, as fun as my new job is, I think I may keep the details of it private. I will share with you that it's a great little local spot that serves up a mean dish and a song + the folks there are nice as (pizza) pie. Let's leave it at that for now, shall we?

Enough of the offline life: here on the interwebs, my dance card is getting full! I've got lots of little projects in the works, and am happy to be working with some terrific sponsors. One of them, as you may know, is Karina Dresses.

As mentioned last week, I'm thrilled to be offering my readers a fabulous Karina Dresses dress in a giveaway. I'll be announcing the winner on Thursday. Meanwhile, be sure to enter by clicking on the Rafflecopter widget over at my SHOP THE CITIZEN blog. (I'm talking to YOU, Terri and Reva!) The entries must be entered in the Rafflecopter widget- it's the big square thingy that says what you've got to do to enter- so be sure you enter that way, not just in the comments- I wish you all the best of luck- and may the luckiest reader win!

Photo Credit: Morgan Hollis

Another sponsor that is near and dear to me, is the wonderful Sacramento boutique, FRINGE. I've got a wonderful summer vintage collection in the store there now. Tracy Mitchell, fashion stylist and blogger of Good Day Howard, coordinated a fantastic photo shoot using some of her favorite items of my collection. Street Style SACRAMENTO style hunter Morgan Hollis took the photos and I am so pleased with the results! You can get a peek of the California Summer inspired shoot HERE. And you can see the whole collection for yourself at the FRINGE boutique in Sacramento, California.

From now until May 30th, take a 20% discount off all Citizen Rosebud vintage when you mention coupon code: Rosebud20 at checkout.

And...some random bloggy notes:

My blogger pal, Stacy, aka Miss Peregrin just started a brand new blog and it looks like a hoot! Her new blog is called Owl Obsessed Oddity. Do stop by and say hi- she's a lovely sort!

Not new one bit, but my bloggy crush show no sign of abating, is the muy caliente UK blogger, La Dama who has Vintage Passions Just Like Mine. If you haven't yet had the pleasure to make your acquaintance with her, I insist you do so NOW!

Picture Perfect: A Rock + A Hard Spot

2012-05-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your Little Red Dress

2012-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

When in doubt, wear red. -Bill Blass

"Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power,
determination as well as passion, desire, and love.

"Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.

"Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as an accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect color for "BUY NOW" or "Click Here" buttons on internet banners and websites. In advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails, "Lady in Red", etc). Red is widely used to indicate danger. This color is also commonly associated with energy...."
-Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning In Action

I made this realization the other day when I was out walking: there is NO uncertainty in the color red. Red is not only the color of action, it is the color of immediate action- there is no hesitance in red, only an unquestioning move forward. The wearing red is pure confidence-

so maybe it's no coincidence that I love to wear the color red. How can one second-guess themselves when in a little red dress? If you are wearing this bright, bold color of certainty, there is no room for self-doubt. Red is the color of vitality + vivacity.

Need passion, desire courage, or a call to action? Friend, slip on your red dress.

I think Bill Blass was onto something when he said: When in doubt, wear red. Because there seems no room for anything but belief in yourself when choosing this ebullient hue. Dance the dance of confidence; romance your self-esteem- your little red dress believes in you!

Tell me, what do you wear when you need a boost of confidence?

BUY NOW! Click HERE!

Bella Blooms (A Karina Dress Review)

2012-05-02T14:54:00.002-07:00

Spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest-landia, and I have been itching to wear my newest frock from Karina Dresses. This one, is a fetching number in black with red polka dots. I said, RED POLKA DOTS! People, you know I had to choose that one. The style is called the Audrey, named after a fashion icon of mine (and likely yours, too!) Audrey Hepburn. It's a classic cut, in a classic print and makes for classic comfort.

The fabric is an easy wear, easy care micro-fiber. It's machine-washable, drip dry and never needs ironing. I like the weight of the fabric, it has a good feel to it, and a nice "flow" in the movement of the garment. I also like the basic styling of the dresses: the simple lines and classic silhouettes make it easy to make my own.

I infused this sweet + classic dress with some sassy street cred, pairing it with some over-the knee striped socks, and a pair of black cowboy boots. And what mix is better than polka dots, plaid, and stripes? Well in case you think I forgot to add some floral patterns, look behind me- with the yard full of red and pink blossoms, I felt like I was a bloom too!

Karina Dresses is offering $30 off any item in their online shop to all Citizen Rosebud readers. Just enter coupon code ROSC30 at the check out and get $30 off your purchase.

And..guess what? Karina Dresses is sponsoring a give-away: a Karina Dress of your choice for one lucky reader. YOU can enter the give-away posted over at my shop blog, shopthecitizen.com.

Click HERE to enter to win! Good luck!

May-Day. Hello You.

2012-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first of May, and this is my 620th post.

I've been blogging as the Citizen Rosebud for about 4 years. You can read my very first post (on Wordpress, no less) by clicking HERE. While some things have changed, much has stayed the same. I'm still mad about mixing prints, in particular polka dots, stripes, florals + plaid. In reviewing my early attempts at blogging, I can see a pattern in my love of patterns; there are lots and lots of pictures of stripes shirts with floral skirts. While reviewing these old posts, I'm wearing a plaid jacket, a striped shirt, a leopard print cardigan and a pair of leopard print shoes (w/ striped socks) as I write this. Worn, of course, with a floral tapestry shoulder bag.

While my style is more or less unchanged, some things have evolved since those early blogging days. Besides my blog's early move from Wordpress to Blogger, I've recently uprooted and moved from Sacramento, California, to Seattle, Washington. I blossomed from a nearly neo-Luddite into a social media butterfly: Tweeting, Facebooking, Pinteresting, and posting on Instagram almost daily. I'm now a freelance writer, as well as pursuing a venture in selling vintage clothing. Probably one of the most notable changes to this blog is that it now is monetized via affiliate links and various forms of sponsorships.

And this month, I am proud to be supported by the following businesses:

Karina Dresses

The Style Confessions

Funkoma Vintage

Marketplace Handwork of India

Oasap

Martin Mattox

Then:
Mixed Prints in black/white featuring POLKA DOTS. August 9th, 2011- it was a hot Sacramento summer day, and I wore a cool rayon polka dot romper from Target. Since it was too hot to layer, my mix had to come from accessories- a floral framed pair of sunnies and a thrifted vintage cotton checked scarf. You can see the original post HERE.

Now:

Mixed prints in black/white featuring POLKA DOTS. Posted in February of this year, right before I left Sacramento. It was a mild California winter so my layers were light weight- a cotton striped sweater, batik leggings and a thrifted vintage cotton scarf. The dress is a '50's gem, a cotton print sun dress, a gift from my dear friend Lindsay. See original post HERE

Then:

Plaid + Leopard print. This was my premiere attempt at mixing plaid and leopard print. Inspired by the leopard/plaid stylings of Mis Papelicos and Pull Your Socks Up!, I paired an animal print belt with a vintage plaid blouse and bolo tie. Here's the original post.

Now: 

Plaid + Leopard print, as worn the day before yesterday in Seattle. Not shown: a plethora of stripes and a floral. Wearing two marvelous thrift store finds: an animal print chunky hand-knit cardigan found in a Sacramento Goodwill and a recent Seattle Goodwill score- a Roxy brand lightweight nylon plaid cropped parka.

My wardrobe is still teeming with plaid, stripes, animal prints and polka dots. Better still, I have more confidence in how I wear them than I did when I started the blog. Thanks to all of you reading this- you are part of my style community, I not only cherish the wearing, I relish the sharing.

And, I appreciate your visits and your comments! -Bella Q

Picture Perfect: Blue Diamonds, Red Tulip

2012-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Blue Diamonds, Red Tulip (Photo Credit: Bella Q)

Taken with an iPhone.

You can see more of my street-shot pics on Instagram: @rosebudz

You can also view my Instagrams online via Extragram by clicking HERE.

Boyfriend Sweater, Joan Jett Tee + Me

2012-04-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

This photo is soooo NOT about fashion, is it? Above you see the outfit I pretty much wore everyday this month. The sweater, I wrote about HERE. The shirt was a companion gift from the boyfriend, a perfectly worn-in super soft 1970's vintage Joan Jett concert T-shirt. It's pretty fucking cool. I HEART my boyfriend sweater and concert tee; not in a stylish sort of way, but in a sentimental sort of way. Which is one of the greatest things about vintage + favorite garments, they comes with memories but leave room for you to make some more.

Speaking of room, I'll be taking some time off the blog for a bit. I'll been busy moving into my new home. Yeah! I got a great new job, and now a fantastic new set of digs! This weekend all my things were trucked down from California- thanks Mom!) and now I need to unpack and set up the casa. So no bloggy for bit, but I'll be back, and I can't wait to show you my new place!

See you on the first, friends. -Bella Q

Pub Crawl to Raise Pints + Money for Charity

2012-04-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Sactowners!

On the evening of Saturday, April 28th, you can drink in the name of a good cause. My pal Cassie Ramos, of Mornings on Fire has put together a great event to benefit Save Ourselves, Sacramento's very own breast cancer organization, and the Citizen Rosebud is one of the proud sponsors of this event. It's a charitable Pub Crawl, with 100% of ticket proceeds going to the Save Ourselves organization.

Founded in 1991, Save Ourselves is the breast cancer organization of Sacramento. It is a community-based, non-profit organization, providing support, education and advocacy services to women and their families affected by breast cancer. All Save Ourselves services are provided at no cost. Cassie's own mother is a survivor and thanks to the assistance and support of Save Ourselves is celebrating her fifth year of being cancer-free. In honor of this milestone, Cassie decided to help give back to this Sacramento-based charity.

It's $6 dollars per ticket for the Raise Pints to Raise Hope event.

This Crawl features premiere bars in the Downtown and Midtown area. All proceeds go directly to Save Ourselves, so grab your favorite drinking buddies and reserve your tickets today.

Raise Pints to Raise Hope

Saturday, April 28th. 8:00 pm-midnight.

Six bucks.

Mark your calenders, and raise a pint for this worthy cause.

You buy your ticket online, and print your ticket at home. You'll need to bring it, along with your valid Driver's license or State ID to the participating bars to get access to drink specials offered exclusively to the Raise Pints to Raise Hope participants. Be sure to bring cab fare, or a designated driver to ensure a safe ride home. And wear your pink apparel to show your support for the cause. The more the merrier, so please, invite your friends!

To purchase tickets for the Raise Pints to Raise Hope Pub Crawl, click HERE.

For live, up-to-date info on the event follow them on Twitter: @RaisePints

Earth Day Weekend- SALE at Never Felt Better

2012-04-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

This Friday, Saturday, Sunday AND Monday, the Citizen is celebrating Earth Day Weekend by having a blow-out sale at Never Felt Better. Want to shop secondhand first? Do it vintage and vegan style, with the Citizen Rosebud vegan collection exclusively at the Never Felt Better Vegan Shop in Sacramento, California. Take FORTY PERCENT OFF all Citizen Rosebud vintage- so bike, walk or run over to Never Felt Better and grab that 1960's calico jumper you've had your eye on since last Monday.

Don't forget the FRINGE- grab your favorite vintage Citizen frock and take 15% off when you say "Sophia" at check-out.

Happy Earth Day Weekend, everybody! -Bella Q

Blogger Meet-Up (the Seattle edition)

2012-04-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Bella, Lindsay, Chelsea, Elyse, Catie, Vivienne + Jean posing during our Seattle Blogger meet-up.

Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to join handful of stylish chicas at a Seattle Style Bloggers meet-up. Organized by personal style blogger (and school teacher!) Lindsay of Lindsay Living, this group meets almost monthly to mix and mingle, talk blog-shop, fashion and just hang out. Thanks to the charming Jean of Jean of All Trades (whom I discovered on Etsy- you can check out her Etsy shop HERE,) I was invited to join the group, and right on time for a scheduled meet-up!

We met in Capitol Hill at the evenly cool and chic Oddfellows Cafe, and chatted over coffee + various breakfast goodies. Sweet faces and stylish frocks awaited me; I was charmed by each one. It was a clique of all ages, ranging from the almost 16 Elyse to the plus 40 and fabulous Jean, with most falling in somewhere between and looking very twenty-something. While everyone's style is very different, we all share a common passion for fashion. After our coffee talk, Lindsay played tour guide, showing us some great shop spots including a brand new vintage shop recently opened in the neighborhood, AND the gi-normously grand Red Light Vintage.

Let me introduce you to some of the stylish souls that I met at the Oddfellows Cafe-

Meet the Seattle Style Bloggers:

Lindsay Living: Professional, personal style.

Short and Sweet Elyse: Highschool girl charm, and sweet fifteen.

Fleur-d-Elise: Bonafide "IT" girl. Expect this girl to blow up the bloggersphere.

Thrifted Shift: Thrift store aficionado, wardrobe re-mixer + resident bookworm.

Zipped: Big sis to Elyse, this blogger is a college bound stylist now living in Minneapolis.

Jean of All Trades: A little bit of this, a little bit of that + a whole lot of panache!

I had such a lovely time, and I can't wait to see them again at the next meet-up.

Uncommon Goods

2012-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday, peeps!

I've got a guest post over at the blog for Uncommon Goods today. Please give it a visit and see some great shots of me and my Circle clutch touring Seattle! You can read my guest post HERE.

*Uncommon Goods is a Brooklyn based online marketplace offering "creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices." It just so happens that they are also sustainably minded and ethically produced. Uncommon Goods offers items for the men, women and babies, as well as items for the home, garden and office. You can visit their marketplace at:

uncommongoods.com